The governor’s budget proposes reducing Senior Services Act Funding (SCSA) by 65 percent. Why does this matter?

It matters because SCSA helps over a half million seniors statewide to remain living in their own homes. It matters because SCSA supports Kitsap County’s Senior Information and Assistance program, helping local seniors and their families make informed choices about options for help in our community and alternatives to more costly nursing home care. It matters because SCSA also funds home delivered and congregate meals, bathing assistance, and respite for family caregivers.

Ultimately, supporting full SCSA funding matters for two simple reasons: 1) Living in your own home as you age is something most of us want for ourselves and our loved ones – and SCSA helps make this happen; 2) Failing to support seniors and their families to use more affordable community-based options will cost Washington State taxpayers millions of dollars more than it would save. Cutting SCSA is a short-term fix that is neither socially nor fiscally responsible.

If these things matter to you, please call your legislator today at the legislative hotline (1-800-562-6000) with the following message: “Please restore the Senior Citizens Services Act funds so that senior citizens will continue to receive vital services.”

Zane Estes, Chairperson

Advisory Council to the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long Term Care